Safety and Efficacy of Sonohysterosalpingography for the Evaluation of Infertility

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This pilot study is a collaborative effort between Northwell Health's Departments of Fertility and Radiology.The aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of the Sonohysterosalpingography (sonoHSG) for it to be determined as the standard of care. Additionally, it aims to improve the work up of infertility by integrating the examination of structural abnormalities of the Fallopian tubes and uterus into a single radiation free ultrasound guided procedure, the sonoHSG.

Condition or disease

Intervention/treatment

Phase

Infertility, Female

Procedure: sonoHSG

Not Applicable

Detailed Description:

This pilot study is a collaborative effort between Northwell Health Fertility and the Radiology Department to streamline the fertility evaluation process and reduce the burden of stress many fertility patients experience by eliminating an imaging examination which is painful and exposes the patient to potentially harmful radiation.

The aim of this study is to improve the workup of infertility by integrating the examination of structural abnormalities of the fallopian tubes and uterus into a single radiation-free ultrasound guided procedure, the sonohysterosalpingogram (sonoHSG). Confirmation of tubal patency is extremely important as approximately 25-35% of female infertility can be attributed to fallopian tube pathology. The current paradigm is to use two separate imaging exams; the hysterosalpingogram (HSG), a transvaginal procedure that uses radiation and iodinated contrast to visualize the fallopian tubes, and the sonohysterogram, a transvaginal procedure that uses ultrasound and saline to visualize the uterus. By using agitated saline, to produce air bubbles, fallopian tube visualization is optimized during the time of sonohysterogram (sonoHSG). The investigators plan to also utilize a continuous saline-air device that may produce a technically superior sonoHSG.

As a result of this study, the Radiology Department and Northwell Health Fertility will work together to encourage, educate, and support physicians to promote the utility of sonoHSG as the first imaging examination for the infertility workup. Currently, this institution is not routinely utilizing the sonoHSG despite the advantages in safety, comfort, and convenience to the patient. The investigators aim to effect a change in the current practice at this institution by increasing the knowledge and visibility of the sonoHSG by creating educational materials for referring physicians, and creating a pilot program that demonstrates the value and efficacy of the exam. SonoHSG can be performed concurrently at the time of the sonohysterogram at no additional cost to the patient.

The investigators will enroll 30 patients from Northwell Health Fertility over the course of one year. Measures of success will include concordance between sonoHSG and HSG in patients who receive both procedures, and patient surveys evaluating pain utilizing the pain scale. If sonoHSG proves to be efficacious, future steps will be to educate referring physicians and patients about the utility of the examination using print materials and a grand rounds lecture. The investigators will also measure the number of sonoHSGs ordered compared to HSGs for the evaluation of fallopian tube patency in order to evaluate if there has been a shift in the standard of care.

This is the research procedure and it will be added onto the standard of care procedure for all subjects.

Procedure: sonoHSG

This procedure uses agitated saline to produce air bubbles at the time of the Sonohysterogram which optimizes fallopian tube visualization. The sonoHSG is free of radiation and use of contrast. In this study, in order to produce the air bubbles at the time of the sonohysterogram, the investigators will be using a continuous saline-air device that may produce a technically superior image. For the ultrasound images, General Electric will be supporting us by providing us the Voluson E10 and RIC5-9-D.

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Ages Eligible for Study:

18 Years to 50 Years (Adult)

Sexes Eligible for Study:

Female

Accepts Healthy Volunteers:

Yes

Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

All women undergoing evaluation for infertility greater than 6 months in the Northwell Health system